Final Verdict
For a top-notch wood-burning smokeless fire pit, we strongly recommend the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0, due to its large size, easy cleanup, and protective ring. For an equally great gas-burning pit, check out the Outland Living Mega Fire Pit, which helpfully lets you control the flame via a knob and has a durable cover.
Our Testing Process
To find the best smokeless fire pits on the market, we tested 10 popular options for 30 hours in real-world conditions.
You are watching: The 8 Best Smokeless Fire Pits of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
First, we unpackaged and set up the fire pits while considering how easy and quick it was to put them together. We noted how long it took us to get the fire pit in working conditions.
Over the testing period, we used the smokeless fire pit at least three times for an hour. While these are smokeless models, it’s common for smokeless fire pits to emit a small amount of campfire smell and smoke when first lit or if you are not using seasoned wood.
Once the fire pit was burning, we measured how far we could walk from the fire pit and still feel the heat. Then we walked in a circle to see how consistent this heat was around the pit. We added in fuel as needed to keep the flame burning and then allowed the fire to burn out naturally.
While in use, we kept track of what fuel we used, wind conditions, amount of people who could sit around the pit comfortably, how easy it was to ignite, ease of adding in more fuel, how long the fuel lasted before adding more, how large and bright the flames burned, how little smoke is present, how much smell is present, and how easy it was to cook food over the flame, if applicable. If we used wood as fuel, we noted the type of wood, moisture level, and how much we used for the duration of the fire.
After the flame was out and the fire pit was completely cool, we cleaned out any ash and assessed how much it produced after each use. We then recorded our evaluations of the fire pit’s heating performance, design, smoke control, durability, and value.
Real Simple / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger
How to Shop for Smokeless Fire Pits Like a Pro
Fuel Type
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Smokeless fire pits burn either wood or gas. Wood-burning fire pits have a more traditional look and feel, which can be especially desirable when you’re lacking the usual campfire smoke and smell. They also tend to produce more heat and flames, but on the downside, they typically leave a good amount of ash to clean up.
Gas-burning fire pits, meanwhile, are often more expensive than wood-burning pits and require the purchase of a separate propane tank. They are low maintenance and typically safer since you don’t need to continually feed the flames with wood.
Material
Most fire pits are made of stainless steel or alloy steel due to these materials’ durability and rust resistance. Some heftier fire pits are made of concrete, which is heavier and requires occasional maintenance. There are also aluminum fire pits, which can be just as attractive and are usually inexpensive, albeit not as durable as those made with other materials.
Size & Portability
Smokeless fire pits come in various sizes, some weighing as little as 1 or 2 pounds and others over 80 pounds. Smaller fire pits are ideal for people who want to move the device from place to place (like for a camping trip) or who only expect a small group to huddle around it for warmth. Larger models are best for shoppers who want a fire pit to be the permanent center of their backyard or expect many people to use it at once.
Safety Features
One of the best ways to safely use a fire pit on your patio is to ensure it has ample space on all sides, according to Gary McCoy, store manager at Charlotte area Lowe’s. More space is better, as it can “enable ventilation and avoid any fire hazards,” he says.
Some smokeless fire pits also come with mesh screens to prevent sparks from flying and lids to cover up the fires once the night is over. Always keep flammable items and children and pets far away from the pit.
More Smokeless Fire Pits to Consider
BioLite FirePit+ Wood & Charcoal Burning Fire Pit: This compact fire pit is easy to transport and store and has a fan whose strength you can control via Bluetooth. While we like this feature, the price is a bit high and it’s not entirely smokeless as promised; there’s still some smoke and smell.
TerraFlame Wave Tabletop Fire Bowl: This small and portable fire bowl is perfect for tabletop use. That said, this device is more noteworthy for its elegant design than for the heat it produces. You have to use fuel gel canisters to light the fire, which leaves a mild smell. On the upside, there’s no ash or residue to clean up afterward.
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Real Simple / Nina Ruggiero
Questions You Might Ask
How do smokeless fire pits work?
“Smokeless fire pits use a technology that redirects airflow to keep smoke away from you and your guests,” says McCoy. Some models reduce the level of smoke (and accompanying smell) through vents in their bases where the air enters and rises inside the pit’s double walls. “The warmed air is then forced down into the fire bowl and repeats the cycle, creating a secondary combustion,” he says.
Are smokeless fire pits 100 percent smokeless?
While labeled smokeless, smokeless fire pits still produce minimal smoke, especially when first lit. “Smokeless fire pits are most often not fully smokeless, but virtually smokeless,” says McCoy. “On average, they generate much less smoke than normal fire pits.” The level of smoke depends on the model, as some smokeless fire pits are known for giving off more smoke and smell than others.
Do smokeless fire pits give off heat?
Smokeless fire pits create heat, allowing you to “experience the benefits of a traditional fire pit without the added smoke,” says McCoy. The amount of heat varies depending on the size and model of the fire pit.
Where can I place my smokeless fire pit?
“You can place your smokeless fire pit on your patio, deck, backyard” as long as it’s on level ground and has room for ventilation, says McCoy. “If you choose a portable option, you can take your fire pit with you on a camping trip, enjoy it at a beach bonfire, or use it to warm up your family’s outdoor sporting events,” he adds.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications. We tested 10 smokeless fire pits in real-world conditions and evaluated them on performance, design, durability, and more. For expert insight, we spoke to Gary McCoy, store manager at Charlotte area Lowe’s.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
